Ford of Europe recently has produced the one-millionth current generation Ford Focus, the popular mid-sized car that has become the world’s best-selling vehicle.
The one-millionth Focus, a 1.0-litre EcoBoost hatchback, was manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany. Ford also produces the Focus for Russia at the Ford Sollers plant near St. Petersburg.
“The Focus is a great-to-drive family car with the versatility to suit the needs of a huge range of customers,” said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer, Ford of Europe. “Last year, we launched the zero-emission Focus Electric to complete a full line-up of Focus vehicles that includes the 250 PS Focus ST.”
Launched in Europe in 2010, the new Focus is the best-selling nameplate globally, based on a Ford analysis of the latest Polk global vehicle registration data for the first half of 2013.
Ford plans this month to introduce a new version of the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost, the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year, that will be the first petrol-powered family car in Europe to offer 99 g/km CO2 emissions.*
The Focus is available equipped with technologies including Active Park Assist that uses ultra-sonic sensors to identify suitable parking spots and automatically steers the vehicle while the driver controls the gears, throttle and clutch; and Active City Stop, which scans the road ahead 50 times per second to help prevent collisions at speeds up to 15 km/h, and helps reduce the severity of impacts at speeds at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident, Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance will directly connect the occupants to local emergency services. “Focus customers tell us they really value Ford’s smart technologies and appreciate the car’s safety, sportiness, styling, and comfort,” Samardzich said.
Ford introduced the Focus in 1998, since when the company has in total sold almost 6.9 million cars in Europe and 12 million worldwide.
* The stated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended. Results in MPG also correspond to this European drive cycle and are stated in imperial gallons. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets
is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 67,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities (13 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and nine unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 180,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
